Ankara intends to replace its aging fleet of Northrop Grumman T-38 jet trainers and F-5 light jets with the Hurjet, originally designed as a jet trainer.

“We look forward to further deepening our defense partnership with Turkey, a key NATO ally,” Bloomberg quoted an official from the US Embassy in Ankara as saying.

The Hurjet

The in-development aircraft is fitted with modern avionics, air-to-ground missiles, and guided munitions.

It features a service ceiling of 45,000 feet (13,716 meters) and a maximum speed of Mach 1.2.

The single-engine, tandem-seat aircraft has a payload capacity of around three tons (3,000 kilograms/6,614 pounds).

F101 Engine

Additionally, Turkey is seeking GE Aerospace F110 engines for its fifth-generation Kaan fighter jet project.

Both engines are considered to be interim solutions, expected to be replaced with domestic versions at a later stage.

Turkey’s relations deteriorated with the US after it purchased the Russian S-400 air defense system in 2019.

However, relations have started to improve after Ankara ratified Sweden’s NATO membership bid earlier this year.

The post Turkey Requests US Approval to Buy GE Engine for Domestic Jet appeared first on The Defense Post.

It takes the total number of SAMP/T NG systems ordered by France and Italy to 18.

A total of eight systems will be delivered to the French Air Force while the rest will go to the Italian Army and Air Force.

France is expected to receive the first system by 2026 and the rest by 2030. Paris reportedly plans to procure four more systems by 2035.

Can Counter Hypersonics

The NG is an upgrade on the SAMP/T, which has been in service since 2010.

It provides an interception range of over 150 kilometers (93 miles) against a variety of threats, including short- and medium-range ballistic missiles and hypersonic missiles. 

A consortium of Thales and MBDA produces the system, which uses the munitions of the Aster family (A30 B1 and A30 B1NT).

Features

The system is based on the multifunction Thales GF300 rotating active electronically scanned array radar and the New Generation Engagement Module (ME-NG) developed by Thales and MBDA Italy.

The radar provides 360-degree coverage and has a detection range of 350 kilometers (217 miles).

The ME-NG is designed to integrate a diverse range of radars and munitions to cater to the needs of different nations, according to Thales.

The truck-based system can be equipped with six launchers, each carrying Aster 30 missiles.

“Thales is proud to contribute to the sovereignty of nations with its most innovative Air Defence technologies, including the New Generation Engagement Module (ME-NG) and the GF300 radar,” executive VP of Land and Air Systems at Thales Herve Dammann said.

“This contract for seven additional SAMP/T NG for France is a significant step forward in the European Air Defence. It further strengthens Thales’ role as a trusted partner of the French Air and Space Forces.”

The post France Orders Seven Next-Gen SAMP/T Air Defense Systems appeared first on The Defense Post.

The package includes twelve V32/44CR propulsion engines, six L32/44CR generator sets, MAN SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) for each engine, three twin-screw Alpha CP propellers, and plant auxiliaries.

It will contribute “to some key requirements of the FSS ships essential for naval applications such as shock resistance; cyber security; nuclear, biological, chemical; Integrated Logistic Support; efficiency; low-emissions and reliability,” the German engine manufacturer stated.

“Navantia UK and our partners in Team Resolute for the FSS programme are proud to partner MAN in order to provide world class propulsion technology for the FSS vessels,” FSS Liaison Programme Manager at Navantia UK Jose Luis Viguera said.

Fleet Solid Support

Harland & Wolff and BMT Group are the other two partners of the consortium building the vessels under a 1.6-billion-pound ($1.97 billion) contract awarded by the UK government.

BMT is providing naval design, while Harland & Wolff and Navantia are building the vessels, with the first vessel expected to be delivered by 2028 and the last within four years afterward.

A support ship replenishes items on naval vessels required to sustain large-scale naval operations far away from home such as ammunition, spare parts, replacement jet engines, food, and provisions.

“Navantia is a highly reputable and important partner for navies around the world and we are proud to be chosen to participate in this significant FSS programme for the Royal Fleet Auxiliary,” Head of Sales, Navy at MAN Energy Solutions Andreas Junginger said.

The post MAN Propulsion to Power Royal Navy’s Fleet Support Ships appeared first on The Defense Post.

If approved by the parliament, the procurement will expand the Italian Air Force’s F-35 fleet to 115.

Also included is the purchase of engines, equipment and logistics support until 2035, il Giornale reported, citing a defense budget document.

Italian F-35 Fleet

A total of 90 F-35s are already on order by Rome, including 60 conventional takeoff F-35As for the Italian Air Force and 15 short takeoff vertical landing F-35Bs each for the Italian Air Force and the Italian Navy. 

The additional batch includes 15 F-35As for the Italian Air Force and five F-35Bs each for the two services.

The overall defense procurement of 9.3 billion euros ($10.3 billion) includes an investment of 506 million euros ($563 million) for the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), an increase over the 271 million euros ($301 million) invested in 2023, according to Defense News.

The GCAP is a next-generation fighter jet program, comprising Italy, the UK, and Japan.

Additional Spending

Additionally, 50 million euros ($55 million) has been budgeted to adapt Italy’s new Landing Helicopter Dock, the Trieste, to host F-35Bs.

It also reveals that Italy has added 690 million euros ($767 million) to the ongoing Eurofighter program fund for the purchase of 24 fourth-tranche jets to replace 26 first-tranche aircraft, which are set to retire by 2029.

Overall, the country’s 2024 defense spending will increase to 20.85 billion euros ($23 billion), up from 19.56 billion euros ($22 billion) in 2023.

The post Italy to Buy 25 Additional F-35s for Over $7 Billion appeared first on The Defense Post.

The state-of-the-art facility in James City County, Virginia, will enhance the Norwegian firm’s production capability for Naval Strike Missiles (NSM) and Joint Strike Missiles (JSM).

More importantly, it will bring the capability to the US, including sustainment and tech refresh capabilities for the missiles.

“Kongsberg is investing in a big way in the US market by making Virginia the US home of our new missile factory, which will entail hiring more than 180 people,” president and general manager of Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace Heather Armentrout said.

“We will also be investing more than $100 million into the Commonwealth of Virginia over the next few years, in terms of property, plant and equipment. 

“This is in addition to expansion at our core US production facility in Johnstown, Pennsylvania.”

Missile Production Expansion

This is the third missile facility Kongsberg announced in the last few months, including in Norway and Australia.

The decision is also in anticipation of a multiyear procurement contract by the US Department of Defense.

The NSM is an anti-ship missile operational with five navies, including the US Navy. 

The JSM is an air-launched cruise missile designed to fit into the F-35’s internal bay and perform complex missions such as anti-surface warfare and land attack. 

“The US Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force are important customers for Kongsberg’s Naval Strike Missile and Joint Strike Missile. Their demand signals gave us the predictability we needed to make this investment in the United States,” president of Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace Eirik Lie said. 

“This will allow us to better serve our allies in the US and continue to expand that supply chain locally, building capacity and redundancy for these critical capabilities.”

Virginia Facility

The 150,000-square-foot (13,935 square meters) facility will be equipped to assemble, upgrade, and repair both the missiles.

The company expected to invest $71 million in the facility and an additional $30 million in engineering and software, Virginia Business stated, citing the office of the governor of Virginia.

The post Kongsberg to Produce NSM, JSM Missiles at Virginia Facility appeared first on The Defense Post.

The Taipan radar was accepted by the 5th Regiment Royal Artillery on June 28 at Larkhill Camp. 

It “offers the British Army rapid deployment and redeployment, high operational mobility, and precise counter-battery operations, locating an increased number of targets at greater range with reduced electronic warfare signatures, leveraging Saab’s Digital Antenna technology,” the company explained.

Mamba’s Replacement  

The Taipan is the intended replacement of Saab’s Mamba, which has been in service with the British Army since 2003.

In 2020, Saab upgraded the Mamba in 2020 under a 46-million-pound ($60 million) contract, extending its service life until 2026.

It is capable of locating artillery projectiles, rockets, and mortars from a distance of 50 kilometers (31 miles).

The Mamba features an active electronically scanned array to track incoming threats in three dimensions and is capable of handling more than 100 targets.

Project Serpens

The UK Ministry of Defence launched project Serpens in 2018 to replace a trio of weapon locating radars operable with the British Army: the Hostile Artillery Locating system, the AN/TPQ-49 lightweight counter-mortar radar, and the Mamba.

The project’s in-service date is 2026 with a retirement date of 2057. 

Like the Mamba, the other radars are completing their service in 2026.

“The team at Saab looks forward to continuing our support for the UK as it becomes the first user of the new Arthur current generation and next generation systems,” Group Managing Director Andy Fraser said.

Lt. Gen. Sir Andrew Gregory added: “Saab is our key partner for both Mamba and now Taipan and what it as a company has and continues to deliver to our Armed Forces is hugely impressive.”

“Mamba has more than proved its worth and Taipan is a step change in capability.” 

The post British Army Receives Next-Gen Weapon Locating Radars From Saab appeared first on The Defense Post.

The test demonstrated wired end-burning technology for hypersonic applications that provides greater range than conventional rocket motors.

It also produced data supporting digital modeling and simulations that validated the motor’s design maturity and performance.

“This is a major milestone in proving the significant capability of this solid rocket motor,” Raytheon President of Advanced Technology Colin Whelan said.

“By leveraging industry collaboration, we were able to demonstrate that we can produce and meet requirements for challenging long-range fires kill chains.”

The firms leveraged their combined digital engineering expertise to speed the design and development in a digital environment using model-based systems engineering.

Testing took place at Northrop Grumman’s Allegany Ballistics Laboratory in West Virginia,

“We are excited to rapidly push the boundaries on next-generation propulsion technology and provide our customers with the ability to respond to evolving threats,” Northrop Grumman Weapon Systems VP Frank DeMauro said.

The post Raytheon, Northrop Test Solid Rocket Motor for Hypersonic Systems appeared first on The Defense Post.

The US State Department approved the estimated $600 million sale in July, a steep rise compared to the initial offer of $340 million extended to the previous Slovak government. 

The discount was in part due to the collapse of a deal with the initially envisioned recipient of the platforms, Pakistan.

Slovakia Eyes F-16s, Patriot

Slovakia was offered the copters along with AGM-114 Hellfire II air-to-ground missiles in March 2023 at a third of the original price as compensation for its donation of Soviet-era MiG-29 fighter jets and 2K12 Kub air defense systems to Ukraine.

The new Slovak government, however, prefers to acquire F-16s or a Patriot air defense system from the US, Defense News revealed, citing an unnamed industry official.

Moreover, Bratislava wants the platforms with the discount previously offered by the US on the Viper and Hellfire deal.

Ukraine Wants Aircraft Soon

The development has frustrated US officials, allowing Ukraine to intensify its efforts to get the Bell aircraft, which it has been wanting to acquire since 2022.

“We need these helicopters for our soldiers who are fighting on the frontline in the Ukrainian provinces of Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia and other regions but also leading an operation in the Kursk region,” Defense News quoted Ukrainian lawmaker Vadym Ivchenko as saying.

Ivchenko wrote a letter to US lawmakers to convince the Biden administration to reroute the attack helicopters to Ukraine “as soon as possible.”

Moreover, Kyiv also intends to locally produce the aircraft.

“We wish to deepen our industrial cooperation with the United States to produce such helicopters in Ukraine,” Defense News quoted the lawmaker as saying. 

“This foreign investment would be guaranteed by the Ukrainian government.”

The post Ukraine Seeks Viper Attack Helicopters Turned Down by Slovakia  appeared first on The Defense Post.

A request for proposals was issued in May for the four defense contractors selected for the RCV Phase I last year: Oshkosh, Textron Systems, General Dynamics, and McQ.

Oshkosh submitted its proposal along with a pair of RCV prototypes it built for phase I on August 19.

According to the contractor, “the Oshkosh RCV is purpose-built to provide soldiers with the capabilities necessary for increased performance, improved maintainability, and flexibility in multi-domain operations.”

Moreover, it is modular and platform-agnostic and supports the integration of future technologies.

RCV Program Phase II

A total of nine prototypes will be built for phase II by each participant at a base price of $118.9 million by early 2026.

The prototypes will be built on the phase I iterations, supporting platform mobility testing and soldier touchpoints as part of the Phase II source selection.

The winner is expected to be awarded a potential follow-on production contract of $607 million, with fielding starting in 2028.

“The Oshkosh team, with Pratt Miller Defense and QinetiQ US, has applied early feedback to deliver prototypes and a Phase II proposal that are soldier-centered and designed to keep pace with the evolving battlefield,” chief programs officer at Oshkosh Defense Pat Williams said.

“We remain steadfast in our collaboration with the U.S. Army to provide the most capable, mature, and production-ready RCV offering to achieve the program’s rapid prototype and fielding schedule.”

Robotic Combat Vehicle

The initiative aims to integrate human-machine integration on the battlefield, putting the uncrewed combat vehicles ahead of the soldiers.

The vehicle should have the capability to defeat light to medium-armored platforms, featuring anti-tank missiles and recoilless rifles.

Three RCV versions were initially envisioned by the service, which later zeroed in on the lighter version that can be transported by rotary-wing aircraft.

It should weigh around 8,500 pounds (3,855 kilograms), with a payload not exceeding 7,000 pounds (3,175 kilograms).

The program has four components: “the chassis, the network that connects the Robotic Combat Vehicle to a control vehicle, the control vehicle and modular payloads,” National Defense quoted Brig. Gen. Geoffrey Norman as saying.

The post Oshkosh Submits US Army Robotic Combat Vehicle Phase II Proposal appeared first on The Defense Post.

The shipment took place two years after Lisbon announced its intention to deliver the Russian-origin platforms to Ukraine.

Acquired by the Portuguese Ministry of Internal Affairs in 2006-7, the helicopters were not operable as the Russian maintenance team repairing the aircraft was expelled over charges of flying the platforms without permission.

Additionally, one of the helicopters was declared inoperative after suffering an accident, Sic Noticias reported.

Likely to Be Used as Spares

According to the Portuguese outlet, discussions regarding the donation of the helicopters proceeded slowly, keeping them in Portugal until November 2023.

“After a long period of uncertainty and negotiations, the current government, through the MDN (Ministry of National Defence), in conjunction with the Ministry of Internal Affairs, coordinated the transport of the helicopters with the Ukrainian authorities, in particular with the Ukrainian Embassy in Lisbon and with the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense,” the outlet quoted a government statement.

It is not clear whether the aircraft will be flown or cannibalized for spare parts, but the latter looks more likely.

Ka-32

The Ka-32 was introduced in 1986 as a civilian version of the KA-27PS, which was based on the older Ka-25 and Ka-27. 

The Ka-32A11BC, which is being transferred to Ukraine, is a dedicated search and rescue aircraft capable of patrolling, medical evacuation, cargo transport, logging, and firefighting.

It can be operated by a single pilot and has a maximum takeoff weight of 11,000 kilograms (24,251 pounds).

The post Portugal Ships Six Grounded KA-32 Helicopters to Ukraine appeared first on The Defense Post.